The former Ospreys playmaker will link up with fellow Wales star Richard Hibbard at Kingsholm next season after leaving French giants Perpignan following their surprise relegation from the Top 14.
And while Gloucester, who are still without a director of rugby after Nigel Davies’ dismissal, won’t be playing in the inaugural Rugby Champions Cup after a disappointing ninth-place finish in the Aviva Premiership, Hook believes that big things are on the horizon.
“I was fortunate to have a number of options, but what stood out for me when I spoke to (CEO) Stephen Vaughan was how much Gloucester wanted me to be part of their plans,” he said.
“They have huge ambitions and made it clear to me the role they wanted me to play in that. The talent in the squad is terrific, the training facilities are top notch and it’s a wonderful area for myself and my family to settle in.”
Hook hasn’t given up his dreams of adding to his 75 caps for Wales, either, with the 28-year-old hoping that regular rugby just across the border rather than on the continent will see him remain in the mix after the upcoming tour of South Africa.
With England international Freddie Burns having left for Leicester and Ryan Mills off to Worcester, Hook is being tipped to take over as Gloucester’s first-choice No10, even though Scotland cap Greig Laidlaw was initially thought to have been brought in at fly half rather than scrum half.
“Playing week in, week out for a good club is a big draw. Hopefully I can keep on playing international rugby for Wales at the same time as well,” added Hook.
“Coming back to Wales, maybe the timing wasn’t quite right just now. I’ve never played in the Aviva Premiership and the opportunity doesn’t come around too often so going to Gloucester was the right move for me.
“It was very disappointing to see Perpignan relegated, but I’m sure they will bounce right back and I sincerely hope they do so. However, I’m absolutely delighted to be embarking upon the next exciting phase of my career as a Gloucester Rugby player.”
As well as Wales and Lions tourists Hook and Hibbard and Scotland’s Laidlaw, Gloucester have also signed Ulster’s All Black prop John Afoa, Argentina lock Mariano Galarza and former England second row Tom Palmer for next term.
